Country: Morocco
Committee: SOCHUM
Topic: Human Trafficking
Delegate: Noah Palmatier
School: Williamston High School
Human trafficking is increasing around the globe. The increased accessibility has been one factor that has led to this global growth. By definition, human trafficking is the illegal transportation of people against their will, for the purpose of exploitation. According to the “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons,” which was released by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), found that roughly 80% of human trafficking is for the purpose of sexual exploitation, while almost 20% is for forced labor. In recent years, these dynamics have changed to reflect a greater emphasis on forced labor rather than sexual exploitation. Worldwide, some 20% of trafficking victims were children. However, in some regions of Africa and the Mekong Region of Southeast Asia, children make up the majority (up to approximately 100%) of victims. Historically, the most vulnerable populations are those afforded the fewest rights – such as women, children, minorities, and migrants. Human trafficking is viewed by the United Nations as a form of modern day slavery. This is a big problem that needs to be taken care of swiftly by this committee and the United Nations as a whole.
The Moroccan government demonstrated increasing efforts by investigating and prosecuting more trafficking cases and convicting more traffickers compared to the previous year – all under the 2016 anti-trafficking law. It also established an inter-ministerial anti-trafficking committee to coordinate anti-trafficking policies and programs across ministries and created a specialized unit to combat trafficking among Moroccans overseas and migrants in the country. The 2016 Moroccan law criminalized child trafficking as an aggravated offense, with prescribed penalties of 20 to 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of between $21,386 and $213,857. Several pre-existing laws are also being used during the reporting period criminalized some forms of sex and labor trafficking.
The Kingdom of Morocco would like to make a suggestion to this great committee. This suggestion includes the expansion of investigation on the dark web in an attempt to stop human trafficking through the internet. Another suggestion could be instituting group requirements for children walking through their cities especially in SW Asia where child trafficking is most prevalent.
- Noah Palmatier
